Farewell, 2014

Wowsers! 2014 has almost been and gone – how did that happen?! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind year for me and since I liked writing my second Taking Stock post so much I thought I would finish off with a post reflecting on the year that was.

These prompts are taken from a little end of year/Christmas celebration that Pip Lincolne from the Blog With Pip e-course ran earlier this month. I have learnt so very much from this wise, wise woman and would wholeheartedly recommend checking her courses out if you are interested in blogging. But for now – on with the reflecting!

Bought a semi-expensive, proper, real-life, big-girl camera and started teaching myself how to take better photos.

The best thing I saw or heard:

Without a doubt, the best thing I saw AND heard was a very pregnant Missy Higgins bounding around and singing beautifully, as usual (as in – her singing is always on point and she’s often a bundle of energy. She’s not usually heavily pregnant).

Which part of myself am I most proud of this year?

Looking over the list of things I’ve achieved and tried for the first time just within this one year, I think I’m most proud of my (slowly) growing confidence in putting myself out there and flying my freak flag with pride. I mean, it’s a very pretty flag. I think most people would like to see it.

What skill do I most want to improve or acquire next year?

I desperately want to start tackling the bigger topics that I’m passionate about and my reluctance to actually do so is linked with my former point about my confidence in putting myself and my opinions out there. But I’m pretty determined to make it happen. I had a lot of fun writing about body image with regards to Renée Zellweger so I’m looking forward to writing posts about bigger topics that are important to me in the New Year.

What was the BEST thing about this year?

Trying. Trying so many different and new things. Trying all the things! But seriously. Not only have I learnt enough skills to fill ten whole baskets (that’s right, ten whole baskets!), I have also had the privilege to meet and connect with so many incredibly talented and inspiring people through the Blog With Pip online courses. You can’t put a value on that. And it was all for trying. If I hadn’t tried, none of that would have happened.

What am I most looking forward to next year?

More trying! Expanding and further developing my skills in a whole bunch of different areas. I’m planning on making some new additions for my Etsy shop which I’m rather excited about. I want to learn more blogging skills and make a few more changes here and there. I’ve also got a lot planned for my thesis – I’m nearing the final year of my PhD so I should really be getting a move on. Can someone please light a cracker under my bum to make that happen? Ta.

Ooh that was a lovely way to end 2014 – very fitting as my last post, me thinks. I also just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to you (yes, YOU!) reading this right now. Starting this blog has honestly been a highlight of 2014 for me and I have loved learning so many new things that I never thought I would or could. Thank you to each and every one of you who leaves a comment or emails me with compliments – it makes my day every single time and I love hearing what everyone has to say. So thank you once again and I can’t wait to see you in the New Year!

What has been YOUR favourite thing about 2014? What are you most looking forward to for 2015? Do tell!

Jacquie is a 20-something maker and writer from Melbourne. She enjoys eating virtually anything that is labelled salted caramel and, contrary to popular belief, has forgotten how to ride a bike. She feels ambivalent about writing in the third person but thought it might be fun. It was.

7 comments

I've started reading your blog and I love it! The design is beautiful and the writing is interesting. I'm a fellow Pipster and reading your answers to the questions above has got me thinking about what my answers are. I share your sentiment of wanting to write more about things that matter and being braver with putting my opinion into words, perhaps 2015 will be the year to do it! It sounds like you've achieved lots of great things in 2014 🙂 Naomi

Thanks so much, Naomi – that's very sweet of you! I certainly hope 2015 is the year for being braver and writing from the heart (for both of us!). It's wonderful to connect with so many gorgeous people with so much talent and support to give through BWP, isn't it? Thank you for the comment lovely 🙂 x

I love these taking stock posts – they are a great insight into you and your blog, and get me thinking about my year too!! I want to write more, take better photos, and see / hear / find / experience more beauty. Everywhere. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Wow Jacquie! I can't wrap my head around how you fit in time to blog, make wonderful things for your Etsy store and be doing your PhD (and everything else you do, like read). I feel like I'm struggling and I'm only in my first year of Uni. That's so exciting that you went to England! Next year I'm going to Germany for five weeks…not my first time on a plane, but first time flying that far by myself. Freaking out as much as you were and also excited. I love how you're trying so many new things. My goal for next year is to simplify and focus on doing just a few things, well and also make more time for reading books! I hope 2015 is amazing for you…I'm sure it will be!! – Laura

Oh believe me, sometimes it all unravels and I have to let the blogging or the Etsy crafting fall by the wayside in favour of studying. But I'm glad I started doing all this stuff on the side – I honestly think it has helped to keep me (somewhat) sane. I can also say I'm only able to manage doing multiple things like this because the PhD course structure is fairly flexible – I would have struggled to do this much in undergrad.

That's so exciting about going to Germany! I am so jealous – Germany is definitely high on my list of places to go one day. Five weeks, too! You'll be able to see and do so much.

You know, I've really surprised myself by trying so many things – I'm pretty proud! I've never been one to just say "yes" to new things but that's what I decided to do this year and I've really loved the results. Though for the new year, I think I'll try and strike a balance between saying yes to new things and focusing my energy on honing specific skills like you mentioned.

Thank you so much, Laura! I hope 2015 brings lots of amazing adventures and wonderful times for you. Enjoy Germany! (I hope you'll be blogging/posting photos on Instagram!) x

Jacquie

I'm a homebody who loves nothing more than curling up with a blanket, a book, and a cuppa (preferably with some bed socks too). When I eventually leave the house, you'll probably catch me op shopping, tending to my cacti collection, or singing along to the Mary Poppins soundtrack in the car.

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